The island of Anafi, an exile place in the period between the two world wars and a place of tranquillity during the time of peace, lately is gaining more and more ground as a destination preferred by travellers.

There are two versions regarding the origin of the name of the island. One has to do with the myth of the Argonauts, according to which, when the Argonauts where returning amidst a wild tempest, the island suddenly appeared ("anefani") as a refuge. The other version has to do with the non-existence of snakes on the island ("An" & "ofis" meaning No snakes)!

The capital of the island and the only village is called Chora Anafis, built on the remnants of the Venetian castle, with whitewash, domed houses and narrow streets paved with slabs. There are interesting churches you should visit in Chora, such as the ones of Agios Spyridonas, Kimissi Theotokou, Stavrou, Agios Nikolaos and Agii Anargyri.

The mountain Kalamos with a height of 460 m. is a challenge for the climbers. On the top one can see the monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa, which took this name because the picture of Panagia was found there, tied up on a "kalami", a cane stick.

Famous beaches of Anafi are the below: Αgios Nikolaos or Ormos, Klisidi, Katsouni, Flamourou, Mikros & Megalos Roukounas, katalimatsa, Agios Ioannis, Megas Potamos, Agioi Anargyroi, Monastiri, Chalara, Vrysi, Livoskopo.

USEFUL INFORMATION

How to get there
By Ferry: There are regularly itineraries from Piraeus port to Anafi.
Trip duration 10 hours.
Connection with other islands: Anafi is connected with many islands of Cyclades, Crete and Dodecanese.